Dr. Jaha Howard, a pediatric dentist and longtime community leader, was officially sworn in as the new state senator for Georgia’s 35th Senate District. The ceremony took place at the Georgia State Capitol’s historic Senate Chamber, where more than 100 family members, friends, supporters, and elected officials gathered to witness the moment.
Howard won the seat in a Dec. 16 special election runoff, defeating former state Rep. Roger Bruce with 51.9% of the vote to Bruce’s 48.1%. The open seat came after former state Sen. Jason Esteves resigned earlier in 2025 to focus on his gubernatorial campaign.
The 44-year-old Smyrna resident brings a varied background to the Georgia Senate. A practicing pediatric dentist, Howard previously served four years on the Cobb County Board of Education, where he focused on improving academic outcomes and community engagement.
During his campaign, he emphasized issues that resonated with local voters, including expanding access to quality healthcare, improving affordability, and advocating for small business support.
At his swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Trent Brown, Howard highlighted the continued challenges facing families across the state, particularly as federal healthcare subsidies expire and costs rise.
Howard’s journey to the state Senate was not without its earlier setbacks. He previously ran for the same Senate seat in 2017 and pursued other elected positions, including state school superintendent and Cobb County Commission, before ultimately securing victory this year.
Now representing a diverse district that includes parts of Cobb and Fulton counties, Howard will take his seat as the Georgia legislature prepares for the 2026 session.
Photo Credit: Instagram – GASenatePress
